From a press release issued by Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers’ Association (MSMA):

Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers’ Association
APRILIA S.P.A
DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING SpA
HONDA MOTOR Co., Ltd.
KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
SUZUKI MOTOR Corporation
YAMAHA MOTOR Co., Ltd.

10th July 2003

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The MSMA and each of the individual manufacturers who are members of the MSMA would like to thank the media for all the work they put into covering motorcycle racing and for encouraging so many people to take an interest in, and give their backing to, the sport.

On the assumption of implementation with the World Championship SuperBike from 2004, each of the participating manufacturers — members of the MSMA — have worked together over a period of two years to create an environment where differences in performance can be lessened for a relatively low level of investment, putting a stop to abnormal increases in engine power through large financial investments, and in spite of performance differences due to differing numbers of cylinders, making the gap between engines with different numbers of cylinders with the same 1,000 cc size fairer. In order to do this, we created a technical rule for the adoption of air restrictors (already fitted to the current Suzuki machines). After receiving the understanding of the various parties involved, this rule was adopted as an FIM rule for 2004 onwards.

As manufacturers of commercial machines, we drew up this rule with great care so as not to require equipment and performance for the purpose of racing exceeding that which would normally be needed for commercial motorcycles, which would consequently cause the price of the commercial machines used as the base of racing to rise, and put an unnecessary load onto ordinary consumers.

The six manufacturers that are the members of the MSMA are therefore extremely disappointed and discouraged by saying that FGSPORT and FIM wanted to change 2004 SuperBike World Championship technical regulation suddenly.

The six manufacturers that are the members of the MSMA feel that this sudden change does not conform with the quality and status of a World Championships, and does not meet basic requirements for technical rules, such as enabling large numbers of teams and companies to compete under fairer condition. The adoption of rules that are a long way away from the reasons for drafting the rule described above has had a major impact on the interest of the manufacturers in competing in World Championship SuperBike.

Moreover, it was requested to MSMA that it attended SBK Commission for the rule change.
Of course, we rejected attendance to the SBK commission that discusses such an unreasonable proposal, and decided to secede from such SBK Commission.

In addition, it is sad, but it has to be said that this is not the first time that something like this has happened. In 2000, the kit-part rules for World Championship SuperBike were suddenly changed only half a year before implementation. Members of the media will remember that event clearly.

On that occasion, too, each of the companies that were the members of the MSMA had already incurred the costs of development, the costs of manufacturing actual components, and the costs of components already ordered. The companies suffered a great deal of damage on that occasion, but had come to believe promises that the same thing would never happen again.

Despite that, the same situation has recurred after less than three years. This time too, substantial damages have been incurred through loss of investments in development costs, etc. In addition to this, the basic incentive for competing is substantially reduced as described above. As a consequence, the large majority of the MSMA member companies who were considering entering World Championship SuperBike have reviewed their positions and decided not to enter World Championship SuperBike at all.

The MSMA member companies feel that for racing at the World Championship level, quality and status need to be maintained, and that fair rules need to be introduced and kept steady. That is a prerequisite for competing.

We are aware that this MSMA decision is a very sad one for the world of motorcycle racing, but we believe that the members of the media, with their deep and all-encompassing knowledge of motorcycling, will be able to properly understand and appreciate the reasons for the decision.

We would like to ask you for your understanding and hope that you will continue to be able to give your support to the continuing support to the growth of motor cycling and motorcycle racing.

Yours sincerely,

Takanao Tsubouchi
Secretary General

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Marty Craggill and wife Diane had a son, Zac Martin Craggill, July 2 in Melbourne, Australia.

Marty Craggill returned to Australia following the AMA National at Brainerd, in time for Zac to be born by C-section. Craggill returned to the U.S. on Wednesday, July 9.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Accoridng to a press release issued at Laguna Seca by the FIM, “At the request of the Superbike World Championship promoter, FGSport Group, a unique brand and type of tyres will be available to all riders and teams to create fair and equitable conditions to all of them and in order to prevent a lack of availability of tyres.”

We think that means spec tires, but we’re not sure. Stay tuned.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The FIM annoucement that the Superbike World Championship will run on spec tires in 2004 came as a surprise to representatives of Dunlop, which supplies the majority of teams on the grid, and to Michelin, which has dominated the Championship.

“We don’t have any knowlegde of it at all,” said Dave Watkins, Manager-Motorcycle Race of Dunlop Tyres Ltd. of Birminghamn, England, speaking in the paddock at Laguna Seca Thursday afternoon.

“Both Dunlop and Michelin are very upset about it, the fact that this is going on and we haven’t been consulted about it. There’s nothing to say, really, we can’t give you a comment, because we don’t know what they’re planning, or what the idea is, or where the position of Pirelli is in this. We have no idea. So it’s as much news to you as it is to us.”

“I wish that they had contacted us before,” said Jean Herisse, who runs Michelin’s World Superbike program. “Because it looks like only Pirelli knew about it so far. Dunlop was surprised, and us. Of course, Flammini and Zerbi being Italian, maybe that’s why they contacted Pirelli. The thing I cannot understand, they are making that so everybody will be equal, huh? ‘To create a fair and equitable condition.’ So in this case they should have all the same machine. Either all on the Ducati, or all on the Honda, or all on the Yamaha. That would be fair, no? And since Ducati is Italian, maybe they should pick it.”

But while Pirelli Racing Development Manager Giorgio Barbier said “I can’t tell you” when asked if Pirelli is negotiating with series promoter FGSport Group to supply spec World Superbike tires, he did say, “The series could have an advantage” if spec tires were adopted.

“Now the tires are really making a bigger difference than the quality of the machines and the riders,” said Barbier. According to Barbier, competition in the World Superbike series is hampered because Michelin supplies only one team, Ducati Corse, and sells tires of a lesser spec to one team, Foggy Petronas, and because Dunlop supports a few teams with development tires and sells lesser spec tires to other teams. A single make and model tire would eliminate the advantages a few teams now have, Barbier said. However, Pirelli is currently running a small R&D program with a single team and is not in a position to supply the entire World Superbike paddock, Barbier said.

Pirelli does supply a spec tire in the European Superstock Series, and Barbier said that the result is extremely close competition among several motorcycle teams and brands.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The current AMA Formula Xtreme lap record of 1:27.855 was set last year by Damon Buckmaster.

Thursday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.453
2. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.737
3. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.002
4. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:28.380
5. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.589
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.672
7. Marty Craggill, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.741
8. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.809
9. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.471
10. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.645
11. Jason Curtis, Honda CBR954RR, 1:30.973
12. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.356
13. Kim Nakashima, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.857
14. Garry Combs, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.030
15. Thomas Montano, Ducati, 1:33.744
16. David Bell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.112
17. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.156
18. Mickey Lane, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.158
19. Marco Martinez, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.475
20. Doug Pitcock, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.893

From a press release issued by the FIM:

The Grand Prix Permanent Bureau met yesterday at the FIM Headquarters in Mies and decided
the following :

For 2004, the Regulations remain unchanged. In the MotoGP class, upon unanimous request from the Manufacturers members of MSMA, the fuel tank capacity allowed remains fixed at 24 litres for the 2004 season. As from 2005, it will be reduced to 22 litres.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Thursday Morning AMA Supersport Practice Times:

1. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha, 1:29.063
2. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 1:29.766
3. Kurtis Roberts, Honda, 1:29.775
4. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 1:30.002
5. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:30.122
6. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 1:30.262
7. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:30.358
8. Alex Gobert, Honda, 1:30.440
9. Ben Bostrom, Honda, 1:30.568
10. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda, 1:30.678
11. Jake Zemke, Honda, 1:30.743
12. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 1:31.420
13. Marty Craggill, Honda, 1:31.921
14. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 1:31.927
15. Jamie Stauffer, Suzuki, 1:31.927
16. Chris Rankin, Honda, 1:32.395
17. Jason Curtis, Honda, 1:32.725
18. Lance Issacs, Honda, 1:33.262
19. Chris Peris, Honda, 1:34.052
20. Jason Perez, Suzuki, 1:34.243

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies earned his sixth pole position of the seven-race-old 2003 AMA Formula Xtreme season Thursday at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California.

Spies, who turns 19 years old Friday, lapped the 2.2-mile, 11-turn Laguna Seca circuit in 1:26.738 for a new lap record.

The old record of 1:27.855 was set in 2002 by Damon Buckmaster, who crashed unhurt in turn five late in Thursday’s qualifier but still earned the third spot on the front row with a 1:27.620.

Corona Extra Suzuki’s Adam Fergusson was second-fastest with a 1:27.123, and Attack Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore finished what he called the best day of his season with a fourth-fastest 1:27.678.

Both Fergusson and Pridmore rode GSX-R1000s.

Roger Lee Hayden’s session was cut short when his Erion Honda CBR954RR suffered and electrical problem. Hayden ended up 10th with a 1:28.912.

Josh Hayes lost 10 minutes at the end of qualifying when his Attack Suzuki’s battery went dead. Hayes qualified ninth with a 1:28.561.

Steve Rapp crashed his FX bike hard in morning practice, highsiding in turn 10 and injuring his right shoulder. He qualified eighth on his spare bike.

The Formula Xtreme class does not have a practice session on Friday, but many of the FX racers who ride Superbike-legal bikes plan to continue their set-up searches in Friday’s Superbike practice session.

The 17-lap Formula Xtreme final is the last event scheduled for Saturday.

Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Results:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:26.738
2. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.123
3. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.620
4. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.678
5. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.694
6. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:27.964
7. Marty Craggill, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.378
8. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.436
9. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.561
10. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.912
11. Jason Curtis, Honda CBR954RR, 1:31.299
12. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.911
13. Jack Pfeifer, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.537
14. Garry Combs, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.678
15. Mark Ledesma, Honda CBR954RR, 1:32.719
16. Thomas Montano, Ducati 999S/R, 1:32.893
17. Kim Nakashima, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.916
18. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.964
19. David Bell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.489
20. Marco Martinez, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.633
21. Jeff Bostrom, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.149
22. Tom Wertman, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.187
23. Oliver Jervis, Kawasaki ZX-9R, 1:35.058
24. John Scott Wilson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:35.081
25. Alex McElyea, Honda CBR954RR, 1:35.170
26. Kevon Hanson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:35.382
27. Nathan Hester, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:35.443
28. James King, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:35.449
29. Eric Haugo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:35.563
30. Jeremy Chisum, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:35.599
31. Jason Knupp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:35.657
32. David Guy, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:36.045
33. Kenan Rappuchi, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:36.199
34. Jose Quyintanar, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:36.354
35. Mark Simon, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:36.566
36. Jeremiah Johnson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:36.620
37. Travis Graham, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:36.720
38. Mark Degross, Honda CBR954RR, 1:37.611
39. Crash Lowe, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:37.891
40. Sean Fey, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:38.231
41. Tony Cook, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:41.141
42. Jay Jacobson, Suzuki SV650, 1:41.812
43. Michael Dantonio, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:44.690
44. Doug Pitcock, Suzuki GSX-R750, 24:39.357

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Thursday Afternoon AMA Superstock Practice Times:

1. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.357
2. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.423
3. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.649
4. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:29.844
5. Jamie Stauffer, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.497
6. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.599
7. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.648
8. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:30.656
9. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.052
10. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.124
11. John Dugan, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.388
12. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.396
13. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.694
14. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.704
15. Brian Stokes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.739
16. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.365
17. Chris Peris, Honda CBR600RR, 1:33.474
18. Hawk Mazzotta, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.541
19. Jason Perez, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.915
20. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:35.217